New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Now what you hear is not a test: The 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture is back in New Orleans for its 29th year and a celebration of 50 years of hip-hop. From fresh fits to lyrical hits, the in-person and virtual experience will both explore and showcase how hip-hop has impacted every aspect of global culture through daytime programming and nightly shows.
Ever a hallmark of ESSENCE Festival of Culture are the live evening performances, which feature some of the most award-winning hip-hop artists to rock the mic over the last 50 years including headliners Ms. Lauryn Hill, who will give a special performance of the 5x Grammy-winning album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" in recognition of its 25th anniversary, and 3x Grammy Award-winning artist, Megan Thee Stallion. Doug E.
Fresh will curate a special performance of hip-hop pioneers, and in honor of So So Def's 30th anniversary, Grammy award-winning super producer and label founder, Jermaine Dupri, will deliver a special performance with some of the biggest names in hip-hop to come out of Atlanta. Other artists joining the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture stage include Wizkid, Monica, Coco Jones and Kizz Daniel. Fans can look forward to laughs every night with evening hosts Deon Cole, Affion Crockett, Spice Adams and Janelle James, as well as sounds by DJ Spinderella, DJ Kid Capri and DJ Clark Kent. Additional talent and experiences will be announced soon.
Like hip-hop, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture is more than just the music. Attendees will embark on a celebration of hip-hop's rich history across stages and experiences throughout the four-day event, which will kick-off on June 29th. The multi-generational experience entrenched in culture, equity, and celebration extends ESSENCE's long-standing commitment to creating opportunities that will economically benefit and contribute to local Black-owned businesses.
"For nearly three decades, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture has been an international and joyful gathering that empowers community throughout the global
Black diaspora. As the nation's largest festival by per day attendance, it continues to be a crown jewel of
Black culture and plays a pivotal role in the amplification and celebration of the contributions of the
Black community through business, music, and more. As we gear up to celebrate the '50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop', we couldn't think of a better way to honor the contributions the genre has made on global culture and the impressions that these artists and their deep musical catalogs, which we all know so well, have been ingrained into the fibers of our day to day lives," said Hakeem Holmes, newly appointed Vice President of ESSENCE Festival of Culture™.
Last year, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture saw 1.9 million live and virtual attendees, increased revenue, and brought in new and reinvested sponsors - marking the highest revenue and largest audience in its history. The 2023 Festival is excited to bring back new and returning activations steeped in hip-hop culture, to celebrate the community, including nightly concerts at the Superdome, ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival, Beautycon: ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ Edition, AFROPUNK: ESSENCE Festival of Culture Edition, ESSENCE Center Stage, ESSENCE Marketplace, New Voices Village, Community Corner, ESSENCE Authors, Global
Black Economic Forum and Village, Girl's United House, ESSENCE Family Day: The Block and more. The 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture is presented by Coca-Cola and major partners, AT&T, L'Oréal, McDonald's USA and Target Corporation.
Tickets for the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture presented by Coca-Cola are now on sale at www.ESSENCEFestival.com, where consumers can also find festival information & updates. Join the conversation on social @ESSENCEFest or experience the festival virtually on ESSENCE.com.
